Retaining ethnic minority nursing students (REMNS): a multidimensional approach

The under-representation of minority nurses in the nation is of critical concern for nurse educators. The high attrition rate of minority nursing students, on a local and national level, has not been effectively addressed. Project REMNS (Retaining Ethnic Minority Nursing Students), an innovative, comprehensive project, was designed to increase the retention of minority nursing students at Prairie View A&M University. Pre-clinical nursing students were provided strategies to improve critical thinking, stress management, and reading comprehension skills. This was accomplished by the development and implementation of content relevant computer modules on stress management, nutrition, and critical thinking. Implementation of Project REMNS resulted in an increased number of pre-nursing students admitted and retained in the nursing program.